King Ranch, Inc. has made a significant move by acquiring a 50% stake in Cobalt Cattle, which stands as the nation’s fourth-largest cattle feeding operation with six feedyards spread across Colorado, Kansas, and Texas. “We are enthusiastic about this venture and its implications for King Ranch’s enduring commitment to the beef industry,” stated Robert Hodgen, CEO of King Ranch, Inc. “Cobalt Cattle boasts a prominent position in the cattle feeding sector, boasting a highly skilled and experienced management team. We eagerly anticipate amalgamating our collective industry insights while maintaining our mutual dedication to the highest standards of quality.”
This acquisition signifies a pivotal stride in King Ranch’s overarching strategic agenda to engage across various facets of the beef industry, bolstering the entirety of the value chain. Hodgen elaborated, “Our objective is to collaborate with partners like Cobalt Cattle to consistently deliver nutritious and delectable beef to the American consumer.”
Ejnar Knudsen, CEO of AGR Partners, Cobalt Cattle’s growth equity partner, expressed pride in the partnership with King Ranch, affirming, “We anticipate ongoing success in the Cobalt Cattle enterprise alongside an industry frontrunner with a complementary strategic outlook.”
Joel Jarnagin, President and CEO of Cobalt Cattle, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Cobalt Cattle eagerly anticipates teaming up with King Ranch and reaping the long-term advantages of this collaboration, all while crafting a lasting legacy in the cattle industry. King Ranch’s reputation precedes it, and their decision to partner with Cobalt Cattle underscores the diligence and operational excellence our team consistently demonstrates.”
King Ranch boasts a rich legacy in the cattle realm, spanning back to participation in some of the inaugural cattle drives in the U.S. The company played a pivotal role in establishing industry associations like the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association and was instrumental in the development of the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle. These same Santa Gertrudis genetics, crossed with Red Angus for over three decades, are tailored to flourish in the challenging South Texas climate, ensuring a high-quality, consistent dining experience that consumers have come to associate with U.S. beef.
